Everton 2 Tottenham 2: late Branthwaite goal salvages draw for Blues

Everton looked as though they would be defeated today at Goodison Park following of a a first-half brace from their former forward Richarlison who netted on his return to Merseyside.

The visitors had gone ahead after just four minutes as the Brazilian ace vollyed home and then added his and Spurs' second after the Toffees had equalised though Dominic Calvert-Lewin via Jack Harrison.

In between those goals the Blues had recovered somewhat from their poor start although the visitors were the better side overall in that first forty-five minutes.

As the second half wore on it seemed that Everton were to fall to yet another loss at home with Jordan Pickford required several times to ensure they didn't go further behind.

Sean Dyche then made some needed and useful changes bringing on Seamus Coleman, Youssef Chermiti and then Lewis Dobbin to try and shift the momentum and find a goal.

Chermiti had a chance but couldn't take it, the story of the Toffees strikers at the moment, and it looked as though these substitutions woudn't work.

Extra-time came and as the minutes ticked by time was running out before Jarrad Branthwaite forced the ball home only for VAR to intervine yet again checking for offside and leave everyone in suspense before the decision was finally given for the goal to stand.

So another draw and point after the 0-0 game at Craven Cottage in the week, leaving the Toffees unbeaten in the Premier League in 2024.

However, for all the effort and determination on display again this afternoon the nagging feeling that it is not quite enough, won't go away.

Although they probably didn't deserve to, Everton could and really should have left West London on Tuesday night with all three points after squandering some great late chances.

Had they done so then a point today, and coming from behind against a much better Spurs side, would have seemed a very good result.

This situation is given added weight by the fact that Luton Twon won comprehensively on Tuesday and have gained another valuable point today at Newcastle United,

Some of the home team's players are also looking decidedly ragged and tired which isn't surprising given the limited squad Dyche has at his disposal and his injury absentees.

Dwight McNeil for example is looking a pale shadow of the player who was so dangerous and effective in the second half of last season.

The manager will be hoping desperately that his currently injured group of players, especially in midfield can recover quickly with testing games ahead and his immediate rivals enjoying good form.